Many university students and graduates often turn to online tutoring as a part-time job or full-time career. However, it may be difficult to know exactly where to start.
Some budding tutors may join a tutoring agency or try to work independently. Regardless of which route you go down, this article provides key tips on the steps you must take to establish yourself as a successful online tutor.
Tip 1: Know What Subjects You can Tutor in
Before looking for an online tutoring job the first step you should take is finding out what subjects you have expertise in. Think about your academic career. What subjects did you do well in at A-Level and what subject did you do your degree in?
Most tutors are educated to degree level at a Russell Group University. If so tutors can expect to tutor in your subject up to A-Level. If you obtained A*-A grades at A-Level in your chosen subjects, you can expect to tutor up to GCSE level.
Narrowing down the subjects you feel comfortable in teaching is key in establishing yourself as an online tutor and finding your specific audience.
Tip 2: Know Your Teaching Style
Many students and graduates who want to start an online tutoring job may have an excellent understanding of their subject. It may be the case they have little to no knowledge of how to teach it. If you are able to communicate ideas and concepts in a way that is clear and concise is an essential skill required by online tutoring jobs. They may also require you to know how to use an interactive whiteboard to teach. Having the ability to educate through a variety of mediums is a valuable skill as an online tutor.
It is also important to consider whether you prefer to tutor in 1:1 sessions. Or if you are more comfortable in group sessions. Do you find it easier to tutor small groups and have a variety of students? Or are you more interested in committing to one individual at a time?
Being able to adapt your teaching style to suit the needs of your students is also a skill valued by clients. Each student is an individual with a preferred method of learning – some find it easier to learn visually whereas others may prefer to learn by practising example questions. Being able to teach in different ways depending on the student is fundamental in online tutoring jobs.
Tip 3: Know the Syllabus of Your Specialist Subject
The British education system is constantly changing the syllabus structure of subjects taught in schools. For example, a topic that you learnt in A-Level Chemistry may have been removed or made more complex since being at university. It is important to go back over the course structure and see what has stayed the same or has changed since you completed the subject.
Having a solid understanding of what is being taught at either GCSE/A Level is important. Being able to provide help to your student over the academic year. Not only this, but it will help you in planning weekly sessions and assessments, ensuring your tutee stays on track.
Tip 4: Be committed
Parents often seek out tutors in September to help their children throughout the school year. It is important to remain committed to tutoring your student for at least one full academic year. Prior to this, ensure that you have the time to commit to tutoring for at least a few hours a week. This can be on the weekends or weekday evenings. It would be unfair on both the tutor and student if you had to stop tutoring due to other commitments.
By committing to tutoring, a successful tutor is able to track their student’s progress throughout the academic year. This is done through weekly sessions focusing on the topics they find most difficult as well as regular assessment. Commitment is vital in not only developing a good professional relationship with your student but also ensuring their success.
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